Managing Side Effects of Cancer Treatment – Part 1

Cancer treatments and cancer can cause certain side effects. Side effects are problems that occur when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Chemotherapy, one of the most effective cancer treatments, can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and more.

What side effects can be expected during or post cancer treatment?

As said, there are certain side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Also, every persons’ reaction to the cancer treatment will be different. Some of the side effects that you have, might not be the same for the others.

Chemotherapy works by killing fast-growing cancer cells, but as these powerful drugs destroy the cancer, they can also wipe out rapidly dividing healthy cells, particularly those in the hair follicles, digestive tract, mouth, and bone marrow.

Certain side effects can happen months or years after your treatment.

Fortunately, as the science of cancer has progressed, so, too, has the science of managing and mitigating the unwanted effects of cancer treatments. Below are some of the most common symptoms of cancer treatment and what you can do to feel better.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is most common during your cancer treatment and it may continue even after the treatment. This happens because chemotherapy can cause patients to be temporarily lactose intolerant. Your cancer treatment may cause:

• Abdominal bloating or cramps
• Loose tools
• Watery diarrhea
• Sense of frequent urgency to have a bowel movement

Recommendations:

• Drink plenty of fluid each day
• Instead of drinking liquids with your meals, drink liquids between meals.
• Avoid fruits or vegetables with skins or seeds such as berries and grapes. Avoid cabbage, broccoli, corn and peas, as these vegetables can cause you to have gas.
• Eat small meals that are easy on your stomach
• Check with your cancer doctor before taking medicine
• Keep your anal area clean and dry

Taste changes

Many patients complain that foods just do not have any tase. A metallic taste for all food is very common among patients undergoing cancer treatments. This will resolve over time.

Recommendations:

• Foods that are chilled might be better tolerated, such as milkshakes.
• Clean you mouth thoroughly before you eat.
• Try using strong flavorings or seasonings.
• Tart fruits might decrease the metallic taste in your mouth.
• If your taste is dull, you can try increase the aroma of the food. Usually if the food smells good, it will also taste good.

Nausea and Vomiting

Usually chemotherapy and radiation therapy, both can cause nausea and vomiting. You will be given medicine to prevent or decrease these side effects. It may last from few days to several weeks after the cancer treatment.

Recommendations:

• Take an anti-nausea medicine.
• Don’t eat greasy, fried, sweet, or spicy foods if you feel sick after eating them.
• Take your time when you eat and drink.
• Drink an hour before or after meals rather than when you eat.
• Try to eat more food at a time of day when you feel less nauseous.
• Do not mix hot and cold foods, drink liquids rapidly, or eat too fast.
• Tell your doctor immediately if your nausea causes vomiting that is persistent or severe.

Dehydration

This is due to persistent diarrhea and vomiting because your body looses large amount of water and nutrients. Dehydration can cause serious complications if it is not treated.

Recommendations:

• You will receive intravenous fluids, when you are in hospital.
• Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms like: dark urine, small amount of urine, headaches, rapid heart rate, dry skin, dizziness with position changes, etc.

Loss of appetite

Feeling nauseous from your cancer treatment might cause you to lose your appetite. A healthy nutrition for cancer patients is an important part of life, cancer treatment, recovery, and prevention.

Recommendations:

• Eat small, frequent meals or snacks from 6 to 8 times a day.
• Try to eat more protein and fat and fewer simple sugars.
• Don’t waste your energy eating foods that provide little or no nutritional value such as potato chips.